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Sim-CEL has Tesla-quick performance, lasers for high beams

Sim-Drive continues to move towards its goal of evolving the gloriously fantastical all-electric eight-wheeled Eliica into a mass-produced passenger vehicle by 2015. Introducing the SIM-CEL (Cool Energy Link), the third iteration in the Sim series of prototypes.

At first blush, this latest creation would seem to be taking a few steps backward – it only seats two and its range is given as 324 km (201 miles) on the JC-08 cycle, 17 fewer miles than its predecessor. However, a closer look at the numbers, and the car itself (pictured above), reveals the progress; this thing is amazingly aerodynamic. It boasts a slippery drag coefficient of 0.199. Combined with its four direct drive in-wheel 65-kW (87-horsepower) electric motors, it is now said to achieve an efficiency of 91.2Wh/km (again, on the JC-08 cycle). That's rather impressive.

What makes the SIM-CEL even more remarkable, and helps it stand out from other super-sleek efficient contenders, is the fact that it can also move with a quickness. Its 0-to-100 km/h (62 miles per hour) time is given as 4.2 seconds, which puts in the same class as a Tesla Model S Performance. How now, VW XL1?

Another big difference in this latest vehicle is its construction. While its 1580-kg (3483-lb) weight is identical to that of the previous SIM_WIL, despite having a smaller, 29.6-kWh battery, its dimensions are significantly larger in every direction. (Click here to see a photo of all three Sim-Drive vehicles parked adjacent each other.) To accomplish this, the CEL retains the space-frame substructure of its siblings but uses CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) for its exterior shell.

The high tech incorporated into this prototype doesn't stop there, though. Included in the package are laser-driven high beams that work with LED headlights to illuminate the night 1.5 times as far as the previous lights.

Scroll down for a short clip of SIM-CEL in motion. While the quick blast of acceleration doesn't translate impressively to video, it does give us a chance to check out that unique body work.

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The renderings make it look goofy, but it looks pretty sharp in the video. It's definately a head turner. Obviously nobody would buy it though if it were in the price range of the Model S. I could see it though attracting a lot of buyers closer to the Leaf price range. I could see people even paying an extra 10-15K for nearly double the range. You could argue that in that price you should just get the Volt and have no range issues, but an ultra-efficient EV with no tailpipe might find a market. Not everyone needs 4 seats. Most people commute to work alone. The reminds me of the original Honda Insight. I think though, it wouldn't be too hard to stretch this out for a 4 seat variant.

I dunno - the SIM-LEI and SIM-WIL prototypes looked like they have i MiEV heritage, but this car has pushed that back to fairly subtle levels. They were smaller, and still fit twice as many people. This one looks better in general, but needs tweaking. Neil

Here's a photo: http://image.itmedia.co.jp/l/im/mn/articles/1303/28/l_sp_130328simdrive_01.jpg In general I like the looks, but the rising window sill line needs to be lowered; even if only for more visibility out of the car.

They sure have a lot of money to spend. The drag coefficient is good but the car is large and the 1600kg weight is no good. They are doing it wrong. Try a Tesla Roadster size instead and make it aero and light weight. only 14kWh battery and rapid charge. Be smart. If it weighs more than 600kg you know you are doing it wrong.

DAN!!! Electric :) Aerodynamic :) Lightweight :( cheap: TBD, but likely :( In reality, it's not that heavy, considering. Batteries are just heavy. That's reality. It's about the same weight as a Leaf. The Leaf has very lightweight construction. The metal is periously thin. They would need to resort to expensive materials to make it lighter. This has 2 less seats, but it also has more battery than the Leaf and has 4 motors instead of 1. Maybe it should have 1, but I think that their trying to build something of a sportscar, not just an eco-commuter. AWD with torque vectoring and a low CG would make for a great drive.

"I could make a 300kg car that would be safe in single car crashes and against other cars of similar weight." But you can't and won't, because you're a no-talent dreamer who's never accomplished anything while criticizing people who do achieve things.

Hey Dan, 300 kg to carry one person? Way over weight. Vehicle shouldn't weigh more the payload (passenger(s)). Commercial trucks can do it. Bicycle: 11 kg (24.2 pounds) easily carries an 80 kg (176 lb. person) at six times the efficiency of walking. With 69 kg to spare (80-11), we can easily provide a power source, weather, and crash protection. Anything above this is just being wasteful. Oh, I need to go to Costco and Sam's Club to pick-up my 80-pack roll of toilet paper and a few 2-gallon packs of mayonnaise. Let's outlaw power-steering and see if cars become more reasonably sized !!!

I could make a 300kg car that would be safe in single car crashes and against other cars of similar weight. I only say 600kg so it wont overwhelm people too much. They are doing it wrong. I doubt it will ever get made and if it is made I think it will be cluelessly expensive. These are apparently the people that brought you Eliica. When you put 8 wheels on a car your judgment isn't good.

Thought you'd like it. Here's more food for thought. Looked at your formula/danmobile. Get rid of the metal suspension. Properly designed composite arms can also act as springs and dampers. Corvette has used composite springs for years, but haven't attempted the dampers (of course it is a purdy-heavy beast).

No good at carrying my family in, looks a 2 seater which never sell very well, so its set up to fail like the Aptera, it not a warm friendly like 2 seater classic sports design like the Tesla Roadster. Volt that will carry your family or you share with 4 in a car pool on the way to would have been be better, boring bland dull cold designs low drag coefficient of 0.199 won't help much in the sales department just ask Aptera for their sales sheet numbers for last year.